Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol,com) on Mon Nov 6 10:44:14 2006

> > Hi Jack,
> >
> > Here is my last post that I promised to recontinue as a new thread:
> >
> > While I disagree with Gym Teacher's double extension model of the swing, I part with you in another respect--the swing plane. Jack, why is the swing plane so important, when A-Rod, to name one major player, exhibits a wavy swing plane?
> >
> > I understand that Griffey Jr. fits your model of consistent planes; however, Barry Bonds does not. In fact, Barry "scoops sand" before attempting to hit the pitch.
> >
> > Please clarify your position on swing planes, and, if possible, direct me to visuals that agree with your postural assessment of the swing.
> >
> > One more thing--do you consider an inconsistent swing plane the mark of a linear hitter?
> >
> > Hi Jeff M.,
> >
> > It is difficult to argue with your physics-based argument which posits that balls struck properly to centerfield (or left centerfield) will be hit with enough velocity to clear any field. I cannot debate your science effectively since I am a literary / linguistic scholar, whereas you are a scientistist. I believe that you presented a very convincing physical on why centerfield hitting is the best approach. And it is farcical to argue with evidence backed by science.
> >
> > I believe that ALL HITTERS should be home run hitter. If your centerfield approach helps effectuate this goal, then I firmly support your premise.
> >
> > Now, please answer questions a), b), and c.
> >
> > a) Do you believe that Griffey Jr. has a model swing plane? Arod?
> >
> > b) Do you believe in the swinging gate or revolving door model.
> >
> > c) Do you believe that, at contact, the batter's back leg is an "L" shape at contact--with the back calve angling towards the pitcher, and the back thigh angling towards the catcher.
> >
> > By the way, what I meant by calve angling towards the pitcher is a RH's back leg, taken from side view, looks like this: /. The thigh angling towards the catcher refers to the following: . Put them together, you usually get > for a RH batter, or < for a LH batter. The angles are imprecise, but I just want to give you a rough indication of what I mean.
>
> BHL
>
> Keep concetrating on the calve. You are onto something with your calve theory.

Thanks Melvin.

Perhaps my original statements were inchoate. Let's focus on the "L" of a RH batter at contact, for instance. The "L" shape, in its crudest form, would resemble a greater-than sign, or >. The lower point of the sign, or /, refers to the calve that points towards the pitcher; the upper part of the symbol, or , demarcates the thigh that points towards the catcher.

Up until this point of time, instructors tended to make the thigh the focal point of their instructor, arguing that if one allows the thigh to "leak," this will effectuate in hitting off a straight back leg, leading to lunging. These coaches, though, overlook the fact that failing to have a have a calve suitable for "anchoring to the ground" somewhat will also yield a straight back leg, and too much of a weight shift.

Melvin, both the upper and lower portions of the back leg are responsible for allowing that back hip to rotate smoothly, and attain the desirable "L" shape position in the back leg at contact.

I will address the importance of the calve-thigh relationship in the front leg a few days from now.

Thanks again for the kind words,
BHL